Prairie Spirit School Division reverses band program cut: letter

The band program at the Prairie Spirit School Division will not be cut after all.

In a letter sent to parents Wednesday, the school division says it is reversing its decision to eliminate band programming.

“Although the board is facing severe financial hardship and is required to make many difficult reduction decisions, the board will continue to provide financial support to keep the band music programs operating in their current locations. The board remains committed to supporting and expanding the musical experiences to students who are not enrolled in band,” the letter states, adding the band program will continue next year without interruption for students in Grade 5 to 12. 

The decision to cut band in the wake of a $7.1 million budget shortfall was met with heavy criticism from parents, students, the provincial government and musical professionals from across Saskatchewan.